People often telephone me when they are feeling “down”. It makes me feel very privileged because it means that they trust me to be discreet. I never tell them that they have nothing to feel depressed about or that there are people worse off than they are. How would that help them? Instead I usually explain what I would do.

I’m writing this alone in my Downend flat and it is a Saturday evening. I remember what would be happening in years past when my husband and I lived on the Cȏte d’Azur. We would most likely be in the Club House. A water taxi would have taken us there across the port with lights twinkling in the water. At a table on the terrace we would have enjoyed a delicious meal and live entertainment. We shared the table with our friends and neighbours, one of whom was an opera singer from the Paris Opera, and he often sang. How we laughed! If we weren’t there we were on friends’ roof terraces. They often had outside caterers and entertainment.

Do I wish I was there now? Of course I do! However what is the good of wishing? I’m grateful not only for what we had but for what I have now. I’ve given two lunch parties this week and my guests kindly brought me presents. I’ve just opened a lovely bottle of wine and a delicious box of chocolates. I have “Poldark” to look forward to (Aidan Turner looks just like my husband did!) and Victoria is good too. My advice if you feel low is to treat yourself. You deserve it and you will soon feel better.